Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Oct. 21-27

Thursday

Oct 18, 2012 at 12:49 PMOct 18, 2012 at 1:59 PM

The Delaware Division of Public Health along with several other health programs, centers and divisions will celebrate National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Oct. 21-27 to increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning.

Staff Reports

The Delaware Division of Public Health along with several other health programs, centers and divisions will celebrate National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Oct. 21-27 to increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning.

According to the CDC, nearly half a million children living in the U.S. have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health. Major sources of lead exposure to U.S. children include lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust in deteriorating buildings. Children can also be exposed to lead from contaminated drinking water, take-home exposures from a workplace and the soil.

Lead poisoning can cause brain damage, hearing problems, kidney damage and even stunt growth. There are no symptoms and cannot be detected without a lead test. Two free testing and awareness events will be offered during the week.

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22; A collaborative effort with the city of Wilmington and the Latin American Community Center; YMCA, Walnut St., Wilmington. For more information call (302) 576-3109.

There will also be a seminar for pregnant women enrolled in Christian Care's Healthy Beginnings Program from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at Wilmington Hospital, 501 W. 14th St., Wilmington. For more information, call (302) 283-7300 or visit www.leadsafedelaware.org.